Williams, aiming to become the first woman to win three consecutive titles since Steffi Graf in 1991-93, broke Mauresmo in the opening game of the
match but eventually lost a first-set tie-break as the fourth seed surprisingly gained the upper hand.

With Mauresmo troubled by a back injury though she hit back from a break down at 3-1 to take the second set 7-5.
Serena also took the decider 6-4 to go safely through.

The American is bidding to become the first player since Steffi Graf to win the women's singles title in SW19 three times in a row.

She had beaten Mauresmo at the same stage in 2002 en route to her first title.

Williams has not reached a Grand Slam final since beating her sister Venus at the All England Club 12 months ago, undergoing knee surgery in August
2003.

She lost to Jennifer Capriati in the quarter-finals of the French Open earlier this year, but looked back to her best when beating the same player 6-1
6-1 in yesterday's quarter-finals.

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